December 2024 Issue - Book Review by Latha Book: Play to Potential Author: Deepak Jayaraman

As the year turns over, I picked a book that matches the mood of the season, a ripe time to think about transitions in life and career. It is Deepak Jayaraman's Play To Potential - Lead a full life, become the best you. This book is relevant to anyone navigating mid-life transition or seeking more fulfillment.

This book offers valuable insights and a framework for creating a meaningful life. He articulates his work as an answer to two crucial questions often encountered at the doorways to transitions—‘Where to go?’ and ‘How to grow?’ Research from leading thinkers, practical frameworks to navigate the mid-life tensions, culturally relevant examples make this work a valuable resource. Deepak seems to have practiced what he is preaching for several years before he wrote the book. The emphasis on meaning-making from your past experiences and those roots informing your future resonated with me. We often underestimate the role our families can play in life's long journey, a pertinent theme that permeates the entire book. It questions the allure of measurable material accolades versus the decision to cultivate a fulfilling, less metric driven but more multidimensional life.

The author Deepak Jayaraman is an executive coach who helps CEOs and leaders navigate and grow through transitions. He is an alumnus of prestigious institutions such as IIT Madras, IIM Ahmedabad, and London Business School (MBA). He has been a McKinsey and KPMG consultant and a head-hunter at Egon Zehnder in his earlier avatars. Deepak is the curator of Play to Potential podcast, where he hosts over hundred episodes with iconic leaders and thinkers from varied fields. In addition to his roles and interests as a doting family man, juggler, and guitarist, he also contributes to the community by supporting and shaping several non-profits. His life lessons and podcast conversations have informed this book, making it unique and worthwhile.

Published by Penguin Random House India in 2024, it is fresh and timely. The book neatly divides into three sections, spanning nine chapters and 251 pages. Section A, ‘The Long and Messy Midlife,’ unpacks the struggles of midlife experienced by people in their thirties and onwards. Section B focuses on knowing yourself— ‘Getting in touch with ourselves.’ Section C imparts the craft and skill in "An Approach to a Full Life." If you dedicate some time beyond reading to ponder upon the ideas that emerge after each chapter, you could potentially gain even more insights. Every section features a curated playlist and 'contextual audio snippets' from the podcast, which integrates well with the theme. The graphic summary at the end of each chapter serves as a helpful reminder of the main points covered in each section.

One of the key concepts is a reflection on the ‘Maslow Shifts’ in mid-life. It discusses three variables and how they change as we move up the social ladder. The three variables are:

Money which encompasses all levels of income and wealth.

Needs are essential for our survival.

Wants are what we would crave, if money were not a limiting factor.

Deepak explores three permutations of these variables, when wants exceed needs. It's worth considering how this construct affects your decisions on how you value time and money. The reference to findings of a 2014 study, "The Secret Fears of the Super-Rich," intrigues me. Funnily enough, the scarcity mindsets of the super-rich, their biggest fear of not having money, and the negative correlation between wealth and happiness are beneficial reminders of what matters in the long run. The book later references Ashley Williams' research on the trade-offs between money and time. Those who sacrifice money to pursue their passions may end up earning more than those who focus on money alone, according to Ashley.

A central framework to the book is the FLAVOUR model. The FLAVOUR model serves as an architectural framework that aids in navigating the complexities of life's middle stages. Deepak treats the framework fluidly with examples and stories while holding tightly to the core. He cautions you against getting stuck with one flavour and invites you to revisit its many forms as you face transitions in life or a more serious 'life quake’ (like an earthquake with more severe magnitude Richter readings. Examples could be job loss, divorce, death, or a bad diagnosis for someone who matters, empty nest, or other life-altering moments).

FLAVOUR is an acronym that can be expanded as follows:

F - The family context, which forms the foundation of our culture and upbringing, significantly influences the decisions we make and the resources and support we have available

L—Remember to create room for what you love

A—A call to tune into your own aspirations

VO stands for "Being of Value," while O represents "Opportunities that you can discover or create."

U—Emphasizes the importance of investing in yourself while building self-awareness and well-being

R—Stokes you to nurture your relationships within the family and in a work context to make space for transformation

Deepak illustrates the essence of the model by profiling stories of six real-life people. Conversations with them on dimensions of FLAVOUR edify the framework further. My criticism here is that four of the six people profiled are IIM A graduates, barring Vineet Panchhi and Sangeeta Shahaney, who are also from other premier institutes. Deepak could have diversified his scope to explore the experiences of individuals from less storied academic backgrounds. On the other hand, he has a decent blend of Indian and international careers, men and women, and a variety of fields.

I recommend this book if you're seeking to navigate life transitions or envision a new future that you care about. I found it a credible work given its foundation built over the years with his podcast on the same theme. This book also offers additional resources and supplements for each chapter. Deepak’s examples from his own life, makes the concepts practical, inspiring and accessible to reader. Consider having a companion journal alongside as you read. Record your reflections as you explore significant events, enigmas, and treasures in your life that await your appreciation or discovery. I would like to conclude with a quote from the book that encapsulates the complexity and optimism involved in creating a life that matters to you.

?‘When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stone cutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow, it will split in two , and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before it.’ – Jacob Riis

Here is to a fulfilling 2025!

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Latha Emmatty Gupta is a speaker, executive coach (PCC, ICF) and leadership educator. Her work is about honing the human dimensions of leadership. She conducts leadership interventions with an OD focus. She publishes a monthly book review in her newsletter titled Leadership Style and Substance which currently has over 1440 subscribers and growing. Latha has trained hundreds of yoga and meditation teachers around the world and loves to explore the spiritual dimensions of well-being. Her work is informed by three decades in leadership and potential development in global technology,retail and finance blue chips. She also serves on the board of non profit , Enabling Leadership.

Contact her at: [email protected]

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